We Love Our Volunteers!

It’s National Volunteer Week and we would like to take a moment to thank all our amazing volunteers! It takes over 800 volunteers to help us put on the Northwest Folklife Festival and believe me when I say, WE COULDN’T DO IT WITHOUT YOU! When asked why our volunteers want to be a part of Northwest Folklife, I was overwhelmed by the endless dedication, passion and ongoing enthusiasm our volunteers have for our organization. It’s clear that our volunteers are part of what makes our Festival so unique and the crown jewel of our region.

Here are a handful of my favorite responses:

“To me Folklife represents freedom of culture and freedom of being and this is why I attend and donate every year. I want to be a Folklife volunteer because I want to help represent Folklife and be an even bigger part of it than just an attendee. I want to submerge myself in people that are different and interesting and that’s what Folklife is. I would love the opportunity to spend time at Folklife not only as an attendee but also as a volunteer because I would be very proud to say that I was part of what makes Folklife so amazing.”Michaelle Machuca, 1st year volunteering.

“I love music, Folklife, and all that it stands for; people coming together to for community and music.” Kaelin Carson, 2nd year volunteering.

“I love Northwest Folklife so much!!! It is one of the reasons why I am so proud to be from Seattle. A festival like this is very rare so I am very happy to do my part to keep it going!”Max Gordon, 3rd year volunteering.

“I love Folklife!! The energy, the diversity, the idea that Seattle – as a community – comes together and throws a huge party to which all are invited! I really enjoy being a part of what makes it successful for everyone!”Tressa Johnson, 5th year volunteering.

“To help share the music and history.” Tom Lockhart, 10th year volunteering.

“My wife and I were married at Folklife and have volunteered every year since then–19 years!” Mark Weber, 19th year volunteering.

“It’s the only event I know that showcases the music, culture and art of diverse cultures, and I like that it’s a grass roots effort.” Trisha Tubbs, volunteering 20+ years.

Many of our volunteers have been a part of our organization for 20, 30, even 40 years and we are proud to have such dedicated individuals be a part of what we do. Whether you help us with preparation in the office, greet Festival participants, assist with registration or deliver coffee to vendors, you are a crucial part of our organization and are greatly treasured. Thank you.

About the author: Christina Halverson is the Volunteer Coordinator for Northwest Folklife. “I am excited to be back at Folklife for another Festival devoted to celebrating arts and culture! In my spare time, I love adventuring, crafting and gardening!”